Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States

December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many banks do close on this day anyway because their staff is still observing the Christmas holiday break. Some banks operate on a reduced schedule with limited branch hours or no in-person service, even if they are technically open.

The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly. Banks post their holiday hours online, usually in a section labeled "Hours" or "Locations," and you can search for your branch by zip code. A quick phone call to your local branch takes 30 seconds and tells you exactly what to expect.

If you need banking services on December 26, you have options that do not depend on branch hours: ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is staffed, and most banks offer online banking and mobile apps that let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances from home.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many choose to because staff are still on holiday break.
  • Your bank's website or a phone call to your branch is the fastest way to confirm whether your location is open and what hours it keeps.
  • ATMs work around the clock on December 26 even if the branch is closed, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks without waiting.
  • Online banking and mobile apps let you handle most transactions from home on any day, including December 26.

How to find your bank's December 26 hours

Go to your bank's main website and look for a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the search results will show your nearest branch with its hours listed. Many banks display holiday hours in a separate section or with a note next to the regular hours.

If the website does not show December 26 specifically, call the branch directly. The phone number is on the location page. A staff member can tell you whether the branch is open, what time it opens and closes, and whether any services are limited.

If you bank with a large national bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also check their mobile app. Most apps show branch hours and let you filter by holiday schedules.

What you can do on December 26 even if your branch is closed

ATMs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your own accounts using your debit card and PIN. ATM deposits are usually available when ready for withdrawal, though they may take until the next business day to post to your account.

Online banking works the same way on December 26 as any other day. Log into your bank's website or app to pay bills, transfer money between accounts, send money to other people, and check your balance. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually happen when ready or within a few hours.

If you need to send money to someone else, you can use your bank's bill pay feature, a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal, or a wire transfer (though wire transfers may process on the next business day if sent after hours). None of these require a staffed branch to be open.

When banks reopen after the December 26 holiday

Most banks reopen on December 27 at their normal hours. However, if December 27 falls on a weekend, branches will not reopen until Monday, December 29. Check your bank's website to confirm the exact reopening date for your location.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction that requires speaking to a person — such as reporting fraud, disputing a charge, or asking about a loan — and your branch is closed on December 26, you can usually reach customer service by phone. Most banks operate a customer service line on holidays, even if branches are closed. The number is on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website.

Federal holidays when banks are always closed

Banks close on these federal holidays every year: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).

On these days, all federally regulated banks must close. Some banks may also close on additional days based on state law or company policy. ATMs and online banking remain available on all federal holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store or business that accepts cards, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases normally.

Will checks I deposit on December 26 clear the same day?

No. Checks deposited on December 26 will not be processed until the next business day, which may be December 27 or later depending on the day of the week. If you deposit a check at an ATM, it may take one to two business days to appear in your account.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Most banks operate a phone line on December 26 even if branches are closed. For urgent issues like fraud, customer service can help you when ready.

Do credit unions have the same holiday schedule as banks?

Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, but some may have different policies. Check your credit union's website or call your branch to confirm their December 26 hours.

Is December 26 a holiday in Canada or other countries?

December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries, and banks in those places are closed. In the United States, it is not a federal holiday. If you bank internationally, check your specific bank's holiday calendar.